Two charged over 'ambush' murder
Two men have been charged over the abduction and murder of a Mt Gambier man following his disappearance a week ago.
Police said the pair shot and bashed 34-year-old Gordon Hamm after ambushing him on a bridge just across the Victorian border.
The two Mt Gambier men, 29 and 35, were arrested early this morning when police swooped on properties across Mt Gambier.
More than 50 officers from South Australia and Victoria – including special forces – gathered in the city in recent days as they closed in on the accused killers.
It is alleged the men ambushed Mr Hamm and a friend as they crossed the Nelson bridge early last Wednesday morning.
Police said he was dragged from the car at gunpoint, before being bashed and shot.
“He was shot at least once, and from what we know, more than likely died there at the scene,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles from the Victorian Homicide Squad said.
It is understood the men knew Mr Hamm through the local drug scene.
Police also seized cars, firearms and drugs during this morning’s raids.
They are hopeful the breakthrough will lead them to Mr Hamm’s body and help his family come to terms with his death.
“We’ve told them in New Zealand and as you can understand they’re not coping too well, and the thing is, they want to bury their loved one,” Det Snr Sgt Iddles said.
The men faced court in Mt Gambier today and are being extradited to Victoria where they will face the Melbourne Magistrates Court next week.
